Cascade Falls is a picturesque 10-metre waterfall in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve, reached by the Te Auheke Track — a 1.7-kilometre easy circuit approximately 20 minutes from Rotorua. The name Te Auheke means “tumbling water” in te reo Māori. The falls tumble over and around many rock protrusions in a lush, fern-draped setting rather than falling as a single sheet. At night, the area beside the falls is one of the best glow worm locations in the North Island — a genuine local secret that most visitors to Rotorua don’t know about. Entry is free and there are no facilities.
Practical Information
| Track | Te Auheke Track — 1.7km circuit |
| Grade | Easy; approximately 30–40 minutes return; 30m elevation gain |
| Start | Lake Okataina Outdoor Education Centre on Okataina Road — turn off SH30 at Ruato; approximately 20 minutes from Rotorua |
| Reserve | Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve (DOC managed) |
| Entry | Free |
| Facilities | None — no toilets or changing facilities; plan accordingly |
| Night visit | The glow worm display at the falls is best viewed after full dark — bring a torch and go carefully |
The Waterfall
The Cascade Falls are around 10 metres in height but spread over a wide cliff face rather than falling in a single narrow stream. The water tumbles through and over many rock protrusions — hence “cascades” — with the entire cliff draped in mosses, ferns and foliage. The effect is particularly lush in the rain and immediately after wet weather when the flow is heaviest. The surrounding native bush is dense and quiet; on weekdays, the track is often completely deserted.
The track is a circuit rather than an out-and-back — it loops through the forest and passes several smaller cascades on the way to the main falls, making the walk itself interesting rather than just an approach to a single viewpoint.
Glow Worms at Night
The Te Auheke Track beside Cascade Falls hosts one of the best glow worm populations in the North Island — and because it is not widely advertised, the chances of seeing the display without other visitors are very high even on popular weekends. The glow worms (Arachnocampa luminosa) cluster in the banks and rock faces beside the track and around the falls themselves. Visit after full dark, move slowly and quietly, and allow your eyes to adjust — the effect in the right conditions is dramatic. Bring a red-light torch to navigate without disturbing the worms.
“We came back to Cascade Falls at night for the glow worms and it was one of the best things we did in Rotorua. Completely free, nobody else there, and the glow worm display around the falls was extraordinary.” — visitor account
Where to Learn More
DOC — Lake Ōkataina Walking Tracks — official track information for the Te Auheke Track and other walks in the reserve.
Walk My World — Cascade Falls (Te Auheke Track) — visitor guide with directions, track details, and the glow worm experience.
Rotorua NZ — Waterfalls Around Rotorua — overview of the region’s waterfalls including Cascade Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cascade Falls?
In the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve, reached via Okataina Road which turns off SH30 at Ruato — approximately 20 minutes from Rotorua. The Te Auheke Track starts at the Lake Okataina Outdoor Education Centre on Okataina Road.
How long is the walk?
The Te Auheke Track is a 1.7km circuit — allow 30–40 minutes at an easy pace. The track is well-formed and suitable for most fitness levels.
Is it really one of the best glow worm spots in the North Island?
Visitor accounts consistently describe the glow worm display at Cascade Falls as comparable to or better than many commercial glow worm caves — and it is entirely free. The key advantage is the low visitor numbers; arriving after dark on a weeknight, you may well have the display to yourself.
Is it safe to visit at night?
The track is manageable at night with a torch, but go carefully — there are no lights, the terrain is uneven in places, and the track is in a remote reserve. Visit with at least one other person and ensure someone knows where you are.
Are there facilities?
None — no toilets, no changing rooms, no infrastructure of any kind. Plan accordingly, particularly for night visits.
Cascade Falls is in the Lake Ōkataina Scenic Reserve. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other outdoor options in the district.
